The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-07-13
PROJECTING The POOR.
RESOLUTIONS BY A MISsISSIPPI
MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.
Inadequate Accommodations for the
Desoto County Destitute Pro.
tested Against.

At a meeting Of the Dasoto County
miss. Medical Association, Of which
DR.. A. j. Jsgoe 10 president, held July
4th and 9th, at Hernsndo, the follow.
ing preamble and resolutions were
adopted:
WHEREAS, The people Of Mississippi,
by their Legislature. have passed laws
providing for the efficient care OF the
destitute poor 10 the several counties
OF the 5 ate; and,
Whereas, TIE execution OF these
laws has been cor fided to the Board Of
Superv sors In the counties, leaving to
said supervisors wide discretion In
the execution OF these laws consistent
with the dictates OF humanity and q
wise regard for economy; aud,
WHEREAS, l; has been represented
to tbs association that the poor OF
Dts1to county have not been proper
ly cared for, inasmuch a. the county
poorht use is wholly unfit for such
purpo,e by reason Of the character OF
the buildings and the small amount Of
room, obligiug the herdirg together OF
old and young, ms'e and iemtle, sick
aud vel, sane and insane, and, mas
much as by reaaon OF this lack Of &C.
commodation many OF the poor are
connigne1 TO the care Of private
parties in different parts Of the county,
where no supervision can be exercised
over them, aud many others Of the
poor are left to the charity Of our
medicsl brethren, and work Of
private charity |, remains; and, Lastly,
inasmuch "a within the county asy-
lum the poor are udder the care OF an
officer who, howeve just and humane
personally, Is appointed because he
was the loves, bidder, and best, II you
will, OF SUM per diem or per month,
for which each Of the poor Ia to be
fed, clothed and lodged, and there are
no regula ions assuring 10 the pool
proper and sufficient food, clothing
abiding place; and, whereas, poverty
is no. crime; now, therefore, be 1t I'M
animously
Resolved, That The condition o
affairs reci,ed above are such al
should not BE- permitted TO exist In I
civilized, or Christian community.
Resolved, That the remedy lies II
the hands cf the good I eople Of Desot'
county. and through them, OF thei
servants the holders OF public Office.
Resolved, That this associatio ,:hav
ing foil confiderce In the good will o
our people. trust to them to remov
this q iQp,s from their fair fame.
Resolved, That II IL the judgment q
this association that the Board OF Su
peryisors should erect suitable build
inps capable Of housing any numbe
of roor who msy he likely TO nee
public relief; that in such building
provision he made for the separate at
commodstion OF mae, and female'
due regard being had tn the prope
care OF families; that tho sick shoul
nave en- infirmsry for their separat
shelter and treatment; that advice b
sought rs 10 dietary and other mattel
pertaining 10 the Efficient mansgemer
Of public charitable institutions, an
with oil such light ss can be obtains
BODY Of rules be framed Tor u
due care OF our poor, whic
rules should have the widest pm
licity; tba, based on n fixed minimum
dietary tcale and other appropria
dats, the tupervi'orp. sttNe beeinnir
Of each term. should themselves es'
mate the daily or monthly cost
maintcnaucs ard paw the keeper
such rate, or feed and clo,he The pc
themselves End psy the ofticer "a
ary: bis appointment thould be MAJ
solely on the grounds Of good chara
ter ard crmpe'ency; that all the do
flute sick should he conveyed 10 q
county infi'mary srd there be treat
by the county physician; that prom
attention he given b the care Of u
in.aue when committed 10 the pc
house or Jail, for which purpose o.
epliehtered rules should b. nafs
and enforced. and thst . pssthou
shonld be provided entirely sspsr,
ard apart from the poorbouse or
frmary. which penthouse should
under tho crre and control OF I
chief health ofIicsr u iha county.
Resolvfd Tta' no amount OF de
fiction II duty elsewhere can just
our paopie In neglect Of the hum,
and Christian duty Of proper prov
Ion for the poor, and tina, 10 those "
1--we Economy" we saw that the g
Gent discharge Of this duty Is true a
sbsolnte econnmv.
Resolved, That the president Of
Aseoc alton do ley these proceedit
before the psople Of this c1uut,,
also preses, them as q petition 10
Bosrd OF Supervisors AT their NJ
meeting,